Enthusiastic response to inaugural Dignity First Fund

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Applications have now closed for the Queensland Government’s new $2 million Dignity First Fund, with 66 organisations submitting 78 proposals aimed at helping people survive homelessness with dignity.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said that he was pleased by the enthusiastic response to the inaugural round of Dignity First Funding.

“Homelessness is complex problem, with no simple solution,” Mr de Brenni said.

“This government is funding a sophisticated suite of responses targeted at all the different manifestations of homelessness.

“Last year we funded 127 organisations to provide 218 specialist homelessness services and this year we are investing $152.6 million in specialist services, providing support for people in crisis.”

Mr de Brenni said the new Dignity First Fund adds to the government’s suite of homelessness responses by funding programs and projects that promote the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness.

He said there had been 31 applications for innovation funding for existing organisations, 26 applications for small capital grants to upgrade facilities, 8 applications for start-up funds to kick off new ideas and 13 applications across multiple categories.

“Organisations across the state are finding sophisticated ways to support people through homelessness by providing for the immediate needs of people living on the streets, in cars or couch surfing.

“The Dignity First Fund will back in that good work, supporting new ideas and enabling existing programs to expand.

The inaugural recipients of Dignity First funding are expected to be announced later this year.